A 1-year-old baby died from type B meningococcal meningitis, after showing severe symptoms in the early hours of this Sunday (08), in Maceió. The case was confirmed early this Monday afternoon (09) by the Municipal Health Department (SMS).
The child lived with his family in the Riacho Doce neighborhood and had two older brothers. According to a relative of the family, who preferred to remain anonymous, the girl spent Saturday normally, before showing the first symptoms. She was playing with her brothers and even ate grapes before going to sleep.
During the night, however, he woke up with a fever and started vomiting. The mother continued to monitor the situation at home.
Around 4 am, the baby woke up again asking for water. When turning on the light in the room, the mother noticed that her daughter had spots on her body and decided to immediately take her to the Jacintinho Emergency Care Unit (UPA).
According to the relative, the child was taken to the red area of the health unit.
“She started getting pierced on her arms and neck and was screaming for her mother asking for water,” the family member reported. “The mother was desperate, because until then the girl was not agitated or complaining of pain.”
The mother was removed from the scene while professionals carried out emergency procedures. Shortly afterwards, the medical team reported that the baby did not survive.
The initial suspicion informed to the family was type B bacterial meningitis, and laboratory tests were requested for confirmation.
The child’s body was sent to the Death Verification Service (SVO). The burial is scheduled to take place this Monday, in Maceió.
“We have a feeling of great pain and loss. The father is desperate and the mother can’t even speak,” said the relative.
Confirmed case and prevention measures
In a note, the Municipal Health Department (SMS) informed that it monitors the notification of the case through the Meningitis technical area of the Health Surveillance Directorate (DVS).
The results of the laboratory test confirmed that it was type B meningococcal meningitis.
According to the SMS, chemoprophylaxis measures (preventive procedure using medication) are already being adopted among people who have had direct contact with the child.
“The Health Surveillance Directorate continues to monitor the case with the seriousness and care that the situation requires, reinforcing its commitment to public health”, informed the SMS.
The Secretariat also expressed solidarity with the baby’s family. “SMS expresses its solidarity with what happened and reinforces its support for the child’s family and friends.”
